The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1887-04-30
A STORY WITH A MORAL.
THRILLING EXPERIENCE OF A DELIN-
QUENT SUBSCRIBER.

| down three dollars Tor this great re-
hgious family newspaper, he heaved
a sigh of relief that made the walls
shake, and as he sank YEARLY into
the upholstered chair, the careworn
and weary expression which was
depictured upon his countenance
gave way to look of calm and Sc
rene joy that was beautiful to look
upon.
whats the matter, Dick?" we
asked, as we slid the silver into the
"strong-box." "You seem relieved"
81 am" said Dick, "a burden has
been lifted from my shoulders that
was driving me crazy"
eve wish that same burden
would attack some of our other de-
linquents," we said sadly.
Dick looked up musingly and
after some moments silence, said:
"Well, didn't intend to tell, but
if my terrible experience will serve
as warning to others, you may
give it. You see that after my
hard days work last Monday I
went to the house, and feeling tired
and sleepy threw myself down
on the lounge and was soon Sleep
ing the sleep of the just with a
snoring accompaniment. AS 1
slept l dreamed that 1 had died
and after the sad rites over my
poor, frame had been performed and
my creditors had shed the last bit
ter tear, | found myself without
the walls of heaven. From the
inside came the sounds of low,
sweet, soothing music, which, as
listened, | reconigized to be the sing
ing of many voices. For time
stood enchanted unable to move,
but at length an intense longing
filled me to join the band of beauti-
full singers and to lend my own
rich voice to swell the cadence of
music which foated out on
he perfume-tinted air as the voice
If many waters. Seeing a golden
stairway near by l commenced the
ascent, and soon brought up before
ponderous golden gate, both Sc
;urely locked and barred. Sum-
noning up all my courage I knock
d at the gate. Instantly the mu-
ic ceased and a deep voice asked:
'Who has dared to knock at the
ate of the city of refuge, and
rom whence didst thou Journey"
my name is Dick Jones and I
m from the world" / answered.
"By what right and on whose
dost thou seek admission
ere?" asked the same voice.
Well [ said that 1 had been a
retty good man as men go; that 1 /,
ad always tried to live up to the
reat moral law; and that although
had at times wandered away from :
he fold, | had always repented for
and was now more sorry than ever. '
the gate swung open on !
useless hinges, and before me +
God an old man, with a long, white I
'ard that fell to his knees, and
vord of fire in his right hand. !
Stranger" he said, "thou has
me well and we have naught '
,ainst thee, but before thou canst +
ter the realms of eternal bliss, >
swerest thou me two questions. o
What dlds't thou read on earth?"
81 read my Bible some, THE =
lLDwELL TRIBUNE much, and the 9
Use St." a
"Hold," Numbered the man, O
estroy not the good impression ~
ou hast already madel Hast N
ou a receipt for thy subscription W
THE TRIBUNE?" b.
MOO" faltered, "I-I-I didn't ~
y it, but always m-meant to-" IL ~
Enough" said the old man, and 10
voice grew cold and hard, "woe ps
thee the hour thou left the world. tn
GU seest before thee one who on M
tn was an editor; the sweetest va
music that enchanted and drew
C here was made by editors who
ID to sing in church concerts /.